Application Process

This handy guide will help you ace the application process for graduate and student roles.

Step 1 – Where it all begins – Civil Service Jobs

We get it. Juggling multiple applications forms, studying, and then registering for yet another account is stressful and it’s never as simple as submitting your CV and covering letter – we know, we’ve been there!

But we aren’t doing it to be awkward! We do need to know about you and your skills/interests.

The good news for you is we practice ‘blind sifting’ meaning all applications are assessed on merit alone – when reviewed we don’t see your name, your grades or your University.

So, what are we looking for in an application?

A genuine interest for your degree, an awareness of Dstl and transferable technical skills. Problem solving skills are key too so if you are curious, inquisitive and enjoy exploring how things work – we want to know.

Our questions are designed to find out about you. The key is to look at the question asked, and answer that, not what you think the question should be or use one you’ve answered elsewhere.

In your personal statement, we are looking for you to show an understanding of Dstl, your motivations and how you aspire to get involved in Dstl, from our work to our culture. Don’t be deterred if you haven’t got a fixed career path in mind. Your answer may explore the benefits of a rotational graduate scheme. Or you may have a specific technical area in mind. Our other question is about your transferable technical skills. Please provide a list and be as comprehensive as you can! (Eg coding; python, CNC Machining)

Top tip – Draft your answers in Word to keep within the word count and avoid any spelling mistakes.

Step 2 – Interviews

If successful at sift, you will be invited to interview. Don’t get stressed, there are a couple of steps and if you need any help at any stage get in touch, we can adjust things to help.

Graduate positions will be assessed by an initial behavioural telephone interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team.  

If you pass this, you will be invited to undertake a technical interview with qualified professionals from our Divisions.

If you are a Student you will be assessed on behaviours and technical skills by technical experts in our divisions. These interviews will be conducted virtually using online video software. (MS Teams)

How to prepare for your interview with Dstl:

Research

• Do your research about Dstl – look on .Gov, LinkedIn and YouTube
• Read the job specification and any further information we have provided 
• Think about any questions you have about the positions or Dstl.

Practice

• Understand how to approach interview questions and how the STAR (or WHO) method works
• Think about what you might be asked and practice your response
• You can use notes during your interview so these may be helpful

Practical Preparations

• Consider time, place, wifi and what you are wearing
• Prepare, time and rehearse any presentations required
• Think about body language

Reasonable Adjustments

• Let us know about any reasonable adjustments you need

Step 3 – Offers:

If successful, you will be offered a permanent position with us and we will support you through the on-boarding process.

Frequently asked questions:

• I’m not predicted to get a 2.1 or a 1st class degree, can I apply? – Yes. All predicted degree grades are welcome to apply. 
• I haven’t gone to an Oxbridge or Russel Group University, will I be disadvantaged? – No, although we ask for your University, this doesn’t form part of the sift or assessment.
• What opportunities do you have for my degree? – If you have studied a STEM discipline or analytical degree, we have numerous roles within our divisions which may suit your experience. A lot of skills you will learn here are transferable, so no matter the division you start in, you will have the opportunity to move around and learn new areas of Dstl if you wish to. We also have opportunities for graduate project managers.
• Are you only recruiting for STEM degrees? – No, the majority of graduates come into Dstl with a STEM degree, however, we do have project management routes and opportunities for degrees providing analytical skills. 
• I’m on a graduate scheme with another government department, can I still apply to Dstl? – Yes or you can apply for the year you finish your graduate scheme with the other department. 
• I graduated a while ago, can I apply? – Yes. There is no set time period from graduation you can apply.
• I am a dual national, can I apply? – Unfortunately no, all our roles require UK British nationals who have resided in the UK for the past 5 years due to security clearance restrictions.